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Subject:RE: Part Time QA From:"Dori Green" <dgreen -at- associatedbrands -dot- com> To:"TECHWR-L" <TECHWR-L -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Tue, 22 May 2007 08:41:40 -0400
My first question/concern is salary -- are they basing it on QA Tech or Technical Writer? In other words, will you be an overpaid tech or an underpaid writer? Overpaid is okay.
If you came into tech writing as an English major and are a little light on lab technique, this could be a great career builder. At the very least, if you continue in the QA field as a technical writer you will gain some good insights into your QA audience and its needs.
I've been in similar positions. Aarrghgh, why do so many employers still need "convincing" that they need a Technical Writer and it's a valid profession all on its own??????? (Oops, there's a whole other thread.) In one of those, I went to my boss to let him know I was ready for more responsibility -- and he promised to arrange for me to answer seven more phone lines. I gave my notice three days later.
If they're serious about wanting to increase your QA knowledge and value, let them pay for a membership in the American Society for Quality (ASQ.org) (as well as your STC membership). If they cough up the $150 or so for that, they might be serious about a dual career path and it could work out well for both of you.
Dori Green
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